by Thomas Rath
Erl rushed forward as Thane jumped from his horse and was immediately tackled by the large wolg who commenced licking his face in earnest. Thane just laughed, as did Dor, safely watching the lick bath from the top of his mount. Thane nudged Erl away as best he could and then rolled over pushing himself up before the great wolg could start in on him again. Erl leaned against him and nuzzled him as Thane scratched vigorously behind his ear.
“Trying to sneak up on us were you?” he laughed while Erl pushed his head against Thane’s chest and whined softly. “But we have no time to reacquaint ourselves here, my friend. We are in need of great speed and great courage this day and in the dark days that come.”
As if understanding his words, Erl pried himself away from Thane’s loving attention and trotted back over in front of the horses before looking back at them expectantly. Dor laughed. “I guess we ride then,” he said as Thane shook his head and sprung back onto Chtey’s back. “It looks like our time for resting has come to an end.” Urging their mounts forward, once again they took up the chase against the declining sun with Erl now leading the way, all desperate to reach their goal.
They continued on through the night only stopping briefly to rest the horses and quickly eat something to quiet their stomachs. Erl scouted ahead, occasionally reappearing out of the dark without warning and sending a chill up the Chufa boy’s spines knowing that many of his race waited for them on the other side of the wall. Should one of them ever appear out of the dark like Erl did, both knew that their throats would be torn out before either had the chance to shout a warning. Even with their acute night vision more often than not they missed Erl’s approach until he was suddenly right beside them.
By early the next day they finally caught sight of their goal. Dor was anxious to push the rest of the way but Thane insisted they stop first so he could get a lay of things beyond the wall and then send word back to Tam. He prayed that she was successful in keeping Jack behind. He also wanted to do a quick search for Jne, strangely feeling her absence rather acutely.
Dropping to the ground he pushed the exhaustion that crowded him as far away as possible as he called the winds to him. Almost immediately he found his spirit rising in the warm morning sun before he sent it darting across the few miles that separated him from Nomad’s Pass. Rising quickly he gained altitude and then stopped his forward momentum still wary about meeting up with the dragon. High in the air he caught sight of his quarry and let out a quick breath. They had come farther and quicker than he’d imagined or dared hope. The battle would begin soon.
Banking away he made a quick search of the plains but was unable to pick up any sign of Jne or approaching help. He almost ventured deeper wanting desperately to find her and know of her situation but knew that time would not allow it. Reluctantly turning about, he quickly retraced the distance they’d just covered and raced toward Haykon. Dropping low, he skimmed just over the grass, almost feeling it brushing against him. As soon as he caught sight of the city he sent his feelings out in search of Tam. He quickly found her like a beacon calling out in the darkness, her Tane willing him to her. She was down by the main gate where Braxton was shouting orders and preparing the first relief unit that would travel to the wall to bring aid and supplies.
Thane did a quick circuit of the crowd twisting above their heads until he caught sight of Jack. He sighed in relief at the grumpy expression chiseled without mercy across the elder man’s face. Good. She got to him in time and by the look of him, I’d say he’s been convinced to stay behind. Smiling, he circled back once more and then stopped, finding Tam standing alone with a large circle of people skirting a distant path around her. He laughed. Merely dressed as a Tjal would afford her plenty of room to navigate through a crowd, but being fully armed was enough to almost clear the whole street for her.
Hovering just over her head, he sent out a small ribbon of air and gently caressed her cheek. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, Tam enjoyed the sensation as if touched by her lover before popping them open and quickly looking up. Thane smiled at her. “Hello,”
Tam hid her shocked expression and then smiled back, returning his greeting. One of the onlookers noticed her odd behavior and whispered it to the person standing next to him. Both stared for a moment before turning away and pressing themselves back into the crowd and out of sight. Thane smiled in spite of himself. “I think we’d better find some place a little less conspicuous to talk. Grab Jack and meet me on the other side of the stables.”
Nodding her understanding, Tam quickly caught sight of Jack and approached. When he saw her coming his face seemed to harden even more but when she whispered in his ear that Thane was here his eyes widened and the ugly scowl he’d been carrying around almost completely disappeared. After arriving at the agreed upon location, Jack looked about quickly and then leveled his gaze back onto Tam. “What is this? Where is he?”
Tam just smiled and looked up pointing. “He’s right there.”
Jack jerked his head up but his face fell. “Where? I don’t see him.”
“You can’t,” Tam laughed. “Only I can see him. Remember, that is why both of us are stuck in this cage while he and Dor go running off through the countryside; no doubt finding trouble.”
Thane now had two irritated faces staring at him. Thinking better than to breach the subject again, he decided it best to get to the business at hand. “Tell Jack that Dor and I are almost to the wall and that the horde is more than halfway through the pass. It should be sometime late this evening or early in the morning when they finally get there.”
Tam relayed the message, which brought a shake from Jack’s head and a hard look. “Tell him,” he started, but Tam cut him off.
“Jack, he can hear you.”
Jack shrugged. “Oh. Where is he again?” She pointed and Jack focused on a knot in the wood siding where she directed her finger. “Braxton’s got the city on alert and is preparing to send the first wave of reinforcements. Every twelve hours he plans to send another group so that the soldiers will be fresh on the wall. Keep us posted as to casualties so that we’ll have a better idea of numbers. And also keep us abreast about supplies.”
Tam placed a hand on Jack’s arm. “He wants to know if they have started evacuating the city yet?”
Jack’s expression became tight and it was obvious he was trying not to yell his answer. “No,” he hissed. “They can’t do it until the city proper is attacked. Of course, by then it will be too late. I fear many innocent people are going to die here. Fodder for an orc’s belly.” No one spoke for a long moment before Jack continued. “Make sure you let us know when there is a breech in the wall.”
Thane assured him that he would, noticing Jack’s choice of words—when. “Tell him that he is not to leave your side so that I can talk to him at a moment’s notice.”
Jack just nodded his understanding after Tam repeated the message. “You just take care of that hide of yours. Oh, and have you seen Erl?”
Tam nodded his response. “He says that he’s well and that he misses you terribly.”
Jack smiled.
“He needs to leave,” Tam said. “Is there anything else?”
Jack sighed but then just shook his head and waved.
* * *
No more than two hours later, Dor and Thane were approaching the first iron gate at the head of the pass. Erl turned to the side and bound away knowing his welcome would be even less friendly than what awaited the two Tjal dressed Chufa. One of the men posted at the partially opened gate suddenly disappeared behind it as the other held up a hand for the two to stop.
“That’s close enough,” the soldier cried out as the boys pulled up their mounts. They waited, having expected such a welcome, knowing that the other guard had gone for their superior.
Long minutes passed in silence before Captain Dainz suddenly appeared at the gate. Seeing the two Chufa disguised as Tjal, he hesitated for a brief moment before saying something to the guard and then walking forward.
“Welcome, Thane and Dor. And to what do we owe this honor?”
Both boys dismounted and stood facing the captain. Thane eyed the man for a brief moment catching the tense inflection in his voice but also recognizing the slight tremor of uncertainty. Dainz still felt unsure about them but hid it as best he could with his contempt.
“We are here,” Thane said, “to warn you that the attack is coming. The horde has entered the Nomad’s Pass and will be at the wall probably sometime this evening or very early in the morning.”
Dainz’s eyes widened briefly before he covered his shock with a snort. “How do you know that? We have neither seen nor heard anything that would indicate that an attack is eminent.”
Dor smiled slightly but Thane answered. “You won’t until it’s right upon you. I saw the advance begin.” Dainz raised an eyebrow but Thane cut off the question forming in the captain’s mind. “It is one of my gifts. I have a writ from Colonel Braxton.” Thane held out the paper. “He is sending troops as we speak for support and relief. But we need to prepare now for the attack.”
Dainz stared at the outstretched paper as if not able to comprehend what Thane was saying before quickly taking it and reading its contents. Turning suddenly, he called to the guard. “Muster the troops!” Turning back to Thane, he returned the note and then motioned them forward. “The stable is there,” he gestured, pointing to a wood building to their right built against the side of the mountain. “You can leave your horses there.”
“If it’s all the same to you,” Thane answered, “I will let mine roam free.”
Dainz opened his mouth to say something but then shut it again while shaking his head slightly. “As you wish.” Motioning to Dor, he continued. “You can take your horse to the stalls then and when you’re done, meet me at the wall.” The captain turned and marched back around the gate as soldiers began rushing from another wood building just to the left. Thane patted Chtey’s neck and pulled his pack from his back before turning with Dor to return his borrowed horse to the stalls. Chtey gave a snort and then moved away from the gate and the mustering soldiers in search of better grass and a cool drink.
After retaining his gear and leaving his horse with the handler at the stalls, Dor and Thane approached the large iron gate. Both were amazed at the sheer size of the structure. Two giant doors hinged right into the sides of the mountain blocked their way. A large iron bar was attached to the right hand gate connected to pulleys and a rope so that it could be drawn up just slightly above the catch on the second gate allowing them both to swing freely. Thane quickly examined the door as they passed through, this time without any opposition from the guard stationed there. The gates themselves were a good twelve inches thick and were made of many large iron planks that had been secured by several crossing bars.
Moving through the opening, they entered deeper into the pass. Dor felt a slight shudder remembering his last visit to the pass and the resulting injury that had almost taken his life. He was not afraid though, the certainty of approaching death having settled over him and leaving him very calm. Thane noticed the smoothness of the ground under their feet feeling that something was not quite right about it. Looking up he felt pressed by the massive rock walls that rose on either side to a dizzying height leaving a cool darkness within the gorge. The ground rose slightly to the second gate no more than thirty feet away. Both were amazed at what the HuMans had accomplished in such a short amount of time, although neither clung to hope that the gates would hold back the large numbers gathered against them. They would be sufficient to give the defenders time to escape should the wall be breached but that was all they would do.
Their breath caught as they passed the second gate and took in the giant wall for the first time. Thane had seen it from above but that didn’t compare to standing up close in the shadow of its mass. Both felt hope suddenly rise within their breasts as they gazed upon the rock creation built to stave off the massive horde that was, at that moment, pouring into the pass. They stood in awe for long moments, taking in the structure, amazed that such a thing could be erected in so little time. It was smooth save for the block steps that crisscrossed up the face allowing two to walk abreast to reach the platform on top. The rock was a magnificent white that seemed to light the area with its brilliance.
Looking to his left, Dor bumped Thane’s arm to draw his attention away from the wall. Both stared at the curious wood structure positioned in the corner next to a great pile of large rocks. It suddenly dawned on Thane what had been so strange about the pass. It was completely free of debris. All the large rocks that littered the floor had been gathered and stacked near the strange wooden device he and Dor were now ogling curiously.
“It’s a catapult,” Dainz’s voice suddenly echoed down from the top of the wall. “It throws those boulders over the wall and into the opposing army. Come up and I’ll show you the rest of our defenses.”
Mounting the stairs, they crisscrossed their way up quickly gaining altitude to the wall’s crest. At the top, two large cauldrons were positioned at opposite ends surrounded by stacks of wood and large casks of oil. The fires were just being lit to heat the oil in preparation for the coming army as Thane and Dor reached the last step. The small army of men was busy checking the many quivers full of arrows spread out along the breastwork on the opposite side of the wall where they were lined up and stringing their bows in preparation. Arrows would be their greatest defense when the boulders from the catapult and the hot oil ran out. Should the enemy breach the wall, the fight would be over. Dor checked his own quiver suddenly wishing he’d brought two or three more with him instead of just one.
“This should hold them back for awhile, don’t you think?” Dainz asked motioning to the wall and its defenses.
Thane shrugged. “I hope that it does. It is very impressive what you have done here. Though, this wall, I fear will not save us indefinitely. If we are successful at holding them off here, they still have the option of the other pass.”
Dainz nodded and rubbed the stubble on his chin. “We’ll make a good fight of it either way.”
Dor and Thane spent close to an hour familiarizing themselves with the area and discussing with Dainz how they might be the most helpful. After squelching the tales he’d heard as a child with his suggestion they merely set everyone on fire, he settled with them helping on the wall with their bows. For the moment, though, he insisted they return to the barracks where he would make sure they were fed and where they could take their rest until the enemy arrived. They agreed, both suddenly feeling weary from their forced ride and seeing that there really wasn’t anything else they could do at the moment but wait.
After a hot, though bland, meal and a quick wash, both picked a spot on the floor near the back of the large room that was almost completely full of cots and laid down. Beds had been offered but both still preferred the comfort they could only find on the ground. In mere moments, exhaustion overtook them throwing both into a deep sleep.
It was night when they finally woke feeling refreshed from their ride and anxious to watch at the wall as they waited for the attack. A quick meal was devoured before returning to the wall and taking up positions against the parapet along with most of the other soldiers. At their arrival earlier in the day, many of the men gave them furtive looks as they mingled among them but now, as the battle approached, all seemed happy to have them there.
“How long do you think we’ll be able to hold them?” Dor asked, checking his quiver for the third time.
Thane shrugged. “I have to say that I am slightly more hopeful now that I have seen the wall up close. It’s hard to say, not knowing fully with what they will attack. I just wish they would come. I tire of waiting.”
Dor nodded his agreement and then turned pensive. “There’s something I need to ask of you before this all begins.” Thane felt his stomach clench at his friend’s words but forced himself to nod. “If I don’t make it…well, I feel funny even saying it…but please take care of Tam.”
Thane stared at him a moment his inner conflict over the girl he loved gripping his heart. “Of course,” he finally whispered.
Dor nodded looking at him sympathetically. “I know you love her, Thane.”
He was caught off guard. “What?”
Dor smiled. “You should know that you can’t keep a secret from me. I see it every time she’s near you.”
“Dor…”
“It’s all right,” Dor interrupted, raising his hand. Sighing, he turned his gaze back over the bulwark. “I don’t blame you for your feelings. And I sorrow for what those feelings must be like now. I know the pain you try to cover up.”
He didn’t say anything. What could he say? He wished he could have been more convincing about not liking Tam but at the same time was relieved that Dor knew what he was feeling. “Thank you,” he finally choked out.
Dor turned and smiled before his face became hard again. “It’s your Tane. I see now why you have hated it so all of your life. It has, after all, only brought you sorrow, hasn’t it.”
Thane was taken aback by Dor’s sudden animosity towards his gifts. Of everyone, he’d always been the most supportive. His Tane had forced him down paths he would not wish on anyone, yet those same paths had also refined him; made him who he was. He now realized that it was he who chose his fate, not the other way around. People would always cast him sideways looks or whisper when he passed by, but he’d finally come to realize that none of that mattered. It was what he did with his gifts, what he did with his life and how he treated others that really mattered. Bitterness had not been the answer. Hate and envy had only held him down and made him more miserable. He was the one who had the power to decide what his life would be, not anyone else. Whether anyone ever took note of his efforts or praised him for his deeds was no longer important. What mattered the most was how he felt about himself not how others felt about him. Better to be alone the rest of his life and feel content with who he was than go against the truth just for passing moments of bliss. In the end, such a life would be hollow and worthless.